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New Georgia Senate bill threatens to destroy self-determination of Georgia cities

On Friday, Senate Bill SB 172 was dropped by senators from rural Northwest Georgia. This bill would set severe limits on how Georgia cities – including Dunwoody – could enact their zoning and ordinance codes.
In 2008, Dunwoody fought for the right to determine what ordinances would benefit our community without being diminished by DeKalb County. We wanted to decide amongst ourselves what kind of community to build, and to make sure that the lawmakers had to live with their decisions, just like the rest of the city. Now it’s other parts of the state that want to set their own limits on our community, where they don’t live, and they don’t care what happens.
Contact Dunwoody’s State Senator, Sally Harrell and let her know that Dunwoody can determine its own ordinances. Representatives from rural Georgia do not need to diminish our city with their agendas.
Email: sally.harrell@senate.ga.gov
Phone: (404) 463-2260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sallyharrellga/
The House of Representatives version of this bill, HB 302 is also in progress and has the same effect. The bill passed out of committee by one vote and its future is uncertain.
Contact Dunwoody’s State House Rep, Mike Wilensky and let him know that Dunwoody can determine its own ordinances. Representatives from rural Georgia do not need to diminish our city with their agendas.
Email: mike.wilensky@house.ga.gov
Capital Phone: 404.656.0202
Local Office Phone: 678.791.1725
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilenskyforGA/
How else can you help?
The City of Dunwoody has lobbyists working to protect our city’s interests at the State Capitol. Our city council members have been quiet about this issue, except for a resolution on tonight’s city council agenda.
Email our Mayor and City Council and demand that they protect Dunwoody’s right for their votes and ordinances to stand without outside interference. Email all seven members of council here: CouncilMembers@DunwoodyGA.gov
Ten years ago, Dunwoody fought for the right to determine our future. Now we have to fight for the right to keep it. Make sure our elected officials fight on our side.
The next DHA meeting is March 3, 7:30 PM at the North DeKalb Cultural Center (near the Dunwoody Library). All of our elected officials will be invited to give reports on this and other legislation that directly affects our community. I look forward to hearing how they voted and what actions they are taking to protect Dunwoody, here and today!

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